Klopp, Solskjaer and Top 5 Managers With the Best Record Against Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola's legendary status is widely acknowledged. Once a skilled midfielder, he played a pivotal role in Barcelona during the 1990s under the guidance of managers like Johan Cruyff, Bobby Robson, and Louis van Gaal.

However, it's his managerial journey that truly leaves an indelible mark on the footballing world. Many argue he's the greatest manager ever, a claim supported by his remarkable track record.

Throughout his 17-year managerial career, Guardiola's teams have clinched an impressive tally of 37 trophies, featuring numerous trebles and an exceptional year where he secured an unprecedented six trophies.

While some managers have bested him more frequently, Guardiola maintains a positive record against the majority of his counterparts.

Sports Brief examines the top five managers who have succeeded in defeating the Spaniard.

Managers with the best record against Guardiola

5. Antonio Conte (Four wins)

Antonio Conte leads the list with a favourable record against Guardiola, having secured victories in four out of their seven encounters. Both managers arrived in the Premier League in the summer of 2016, with Conte guiding Chelsea to the league title that season.

Chelsea, under Conte, defeated Manchester City both home and away during that campaign. However, Conte's most notable victories, arguably, occurred during his time as Tottenham's manager. One of these memorable wins was a thrilling five-goal match at the Etihad in February 2022.

4. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Four wins)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may not be a household name outside of the Manchester United fan base, but his record against Guardiola is certainly noteworthy. With four wins, four defeats, and one draw, Solskjaer's performance against Pep is commendable, with only two managers boasting more victories.

It took Solskjaer just under a year to secure his first Manchester derby win since 2007, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial leading United to a convincing 2-0 victory. The following month saw another triumph, a 1-0 win, although it wasn't sufficient to overturn United's initial defeat by City in the League Cup semi-final.

3. Mauricio Pochettino (Four wins)

The beginning of this Pochettino versus Guardiola chapter traces back to 2009. Espanyol seldom emerged victorious against Barcelona, but in 2009, they defied expectations. Ivan de la Pena's performance haunted the Blaugrana and despite a goal from Yaya Toure, the smaller Catalan club managed to secure a memorable victory.

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Among the standout victories in this compilation are the ones from the 2018/19 Champions League quarter-final. A subdued first leg was followed by an incredibly intense second leg, where Manchester City almost snatched victory from the brink of defeat before VAR intervened, denying them the win.

2. Jose Mourinho (seven wins)

Mourinho boasts the second-highest number of victories against Guardiola, and several of these wins rank among 'The Special One's' most memorable moments in his career.

Whether it's the remarkable 3-2 comeback triumph at the Etihad in 2018, Mourinho's Inter executing powerful counterattacks to secure a 3-1 win in 2010, or the two 2-0 victories he achieved for Spurs in 2020, the rivalry between these two managers stands out as one of the most intriguing in football history.

1. Jurgen Klopp (12 wins)

Klopp, one of football's most intriguing figures, stands as Guardiola's counterpart in what may be considered the foremost managerial rivalry in modern football. Klopp holds the distinction of being one of the rare managers with a positive record against Guardiola, having secured 12 victories compared to Pep's 11.

Their rivalry transcends borders, spanning two countries and four cities. Over the years, they have vied for numerous Premier League and Bundesliga titles, with their matches marked by controversy and significant moments. Together, they have shaped an era in both the Premier League and Bundesliga.